Bejeweled Pumpkin and Folding Table Make-over

Bejeweled Pumpkin

Life has been crazy busy here on the ranch.  I'm sure most everyone can relate.  With all the rescue animals we have here, there's always something that needs fixing, cleaning or doctoring!  If your curiosity is getting the better of you, be sure to click on our "Meanwhile, back at the ranch" page for more on THAT story, lol!

Anyway, I have 2 projects for you today.  The first one was a super quick project I've had in the back of my mind for a while now.

 I have a pretty large collection of these foam pumpkins.  I was fortunate enough to get them from a dear friend when she was having one of her FABULOUS yard sales.  Usually, I just pile them in baskets, wheel barrows, crates... but this year, I thought I'd take a couple and decorate them up.  

There really isn't much "instruction" for this.  I just used 4 packages of Sparkles Flourishes small and Sparkles clear assortment, as well as some Bitty Sparkles.  I simply applied the flourishes in a way that was pleasing to my eye, then went back in and filled in the "blank" areas with various sized of single crystals.  That's really all there was to it.  Simple, but very pretty.  I think I might order the black Flourishes and do another pumpkin.  

Here's a picture from the top:

And here's a another look, from a couple different angles:

These poor pumpkins have been around for quite some time, so there are some scuffs here and there, but that's ok with me.  

Project #2

Folding table for my office

I've posted pictures in the past of my teeny tiny office.  I love my new desk, and for the most part, it provides me with all the space I need while working on a project, or working on my lap top.  The only real problem is when I want to use my Cricut Explore machine.  When not in use, I keep it safely on a shelf in a bookcase behind my work surface.  The problem arises when I need to plug my lap top into my Explore to cut images.  I was using a vintage t.v. tray to hold my computer, while having my Explore on my desk.  I wanted to find a better solution, mainly because the t.v. tray was a little small, and very lightweight.  I was talking to my sister about my dilemma, and she invited me to come rummage through her workshop.  If I don't have something I need for a project in my barn, she most likely has it in her workshop, lol!  Both of our families have been heard to say that they are ready to call the Producers of Hoarders if either one of us brings home ANY THING ELSE!  

Anyway, she had this little table in mind before I even got to her place.  When she pulled it out of the dark and dusty corner of the shop, I was, to say the least, a little skeptical.  The top was in pretty rough shape.  As is usual for me, I totally forgot to take any "untouched" before pictures.  She had another piece of wood set aside to make a new top for the table.  I took both pieces home, and started thinking about the steps necessary for replacing the top.  Since the top is split in the middle to allow for it to pull apart and fold neatly, I would have to be sure to cut the new top properly, and then reconnect it with all the vintage connectors. Now, to be honest, I'm a VERY lazy upcycler.  With all of the things in my life needing my attention, I just couldn't make myself take on a project quite that "detailed"  I decided I would try using some wood glue to re-connect the laminated layers that were pulling apart.   This is where my pictures begin.  I still had a couple areas that needed a little wood glue, so last night, I squirted some in those areas, and clamped them down.

This is the table, folded, glued and clamped, and left to dry overnight.  Next, I needed to finish pealing off the veneer that I'm sure at some time, made this little table very pretty.  There really wasn't much left, so I spent a couple hours, heat gun in hand, peeling and scraping. Yay! (she said sarcastically!)

Once that fun time was over, I gave is quick sanding and decided that was "good enough".  There is a reason, I go for the distressed look, lol!  

On to the painting.  Seriously, I'm not restoring the table, I'm just trying to make the top stop peeling, and if I'm lucky, look cute when I'm done.  As you can see, there's a HUGE crack running right down the middle of one side.  At this point in time, I'm not going to worry about it.  It isn't causing any problems with stability, so I'm just going to run with it.  Remember, distressed, lol!

I'm planning on applying dark wax to the finished table, so when I  painted to the table top, I made sure to apply the paint in a thick coat, with LOTS of brush marks. 

It is very important to apply a coat of clear wax to the surface BEFORE applying the dark wax.  If you don't use the clear wax first, the dark wax will "take" too heavily. With the clear base coat, you will have the ability to erase the dark wax (using a rag with clear wax on it, and rubbing it out) if you apply it with too heavy a hand.

 I use old rags to apply the wax, as well as buff it out when I'm done.  As you can see in the picture above, the wax "catches" in the brush marks, and the little crackles that formed as the paint dried in the areas where the paint was a bit thicker.

So here it is, in my office, waiting for my Cricut Explore to sit happily on it's sturdy little legs.  When I don't need to use the machine, I can fold it down and lean it against the wall, out of the way.  I know the picture doesn't show the details of the distressing and dark wax, but it was time to feed the critters, so, no time to take better pictures, hope you understand.

Be sure to check out my Ranch page.  I've added pictures of my adorable donkeys.

I didn't use many CTMH supplies in these projects, but here's the very brief list of items used, haha!

Sparkle Flourishes, small clear   Z1812

Sparkles, clear assortment   Z1752

Bitty Sparkles             Z1263

Fall Leaves

Pretty Garland of Fall Leaves

Today's project is a simple, but pretty, Fall Garland.  The first sample shows leaves I cut from heavy watercolor paper.  Much like the card project shown previously, I used my 

re-inkers to apply the color to the leaves.

In order for the ink to flow in a very organic manner, it's important to really saturate the watercolor paper with clear water.  

When the ink is applied to the saturated paper, it wicks up into the body of the leaf.

Just continue adding ink until you are happy with the color.

Set the leaf aside to dry.  You may need to add additional color to the back of the leaf to get full color on both sides.

Once all the leaves are dry, punch holes for the metallic bakers twine.

Here's a super quick version.  (No dry time!!!)

I simply cut a variety of sizes and leaf shapes (Artiste and Artbooking cartridges) from the Path Finding Paper Pack, as well as a few from the Paper Fundamentals - Enchantment set.  String your leaves on some baker's twine and you're done.

Supplies Used:

Paper Fundamentals - Enchantment  Z2031

Baker's Twine                                 Z1921

Artbooking Cricut Cartridge                   Z1906

Artiste Cricut Cartridge                                        Z1790

Path Finding Paper Pack                                                   X7186B

Re-Inkers:

New England Ivy   Z2235

Olive    Z2237

Goldrush   Z2223

Autumn Terracotta    Z2201

Barn Red   Z2204

Rosette Fun

Halloween Rosette Wreath

 I know some people don't celebrate Halloween, but since my birthday is on Halloween, around here, we treat it like a National Holiday.  OK, not really, but maybe it should be, haha!  

I've spent the last several days making Rosettes for a bunch of projects I have planned for my Halloween decorations this year.  I've had a wire wreath base laying around for a while, so I decided to use it for my first rosette project.  I have to admit, I had a lot of fun playing with my Cricut Explore Machine.  When it comes to making these rosettes, it will score all of your fold lines for you, which is a HUGE time saver!  The only cardstock that didn't fold easily was the black glitter paper I cut.  That's why you'll only see 2 rosettes from the glitter paper!  All the others that I had cut are sitting in a zip lock bag, waiting to be folded, when I'm feeling EXTRA patient, lol!  They may be sitting in that bag for quite some time.

I used the Artiste Cartridge to cut the rosettes and Magic Potion labels and Artbooking to cut the spiderweb, spider, and bat.  You can certainly cut the circles and scalloped circles I used for the centers, but I used my punches instead, simply because I had put my machine away when I realized I needed centers!  Don't you just hate it when that happens?  

Here are a few pictures showing some of the details on a few of the rosettes:

In the first group of pictures, I cut some elements from a sheet of the "Scaredy Cat" paper pack to decorate centers as well as the haunted house I tucked in between a couple of the rosettes.

The last one with the little Jack-O-Lantern I cut it with the 1" circle punch, glued it inside a bottle cap, and then added a glass cover from our Base and Bling collection.

In the pictures below, I embossed the centers with white and silver embossing powders.  In the second picture, even though it may be a little difficult to see, I wanted to show what happens when you use hot glue to attach an embossed image.  I accidentally touched the image, and the heat of the hot glue actually re-melted the embossing powder.  There is now a finger print in the image, but that's ok.

This picture shows the little bat I cut out of glitter paper.  Now, let me just say, that while folding the rosettes cut from glitter paper was not fun, cutting the "flat" images was a piece of cake.  Just be sure your machine is set to either multi-cut or if you have the Explore, I set my machine to poster board.  Also, I used the new epoxy stars to decorate the center medallion.  They started out white, but I colored them with our new Touch Twin Marker in black 

If anyone is interested in the process of making the rosettes, I have taken several pictures, and would be happy to do a post showing them.  Just leave a message in the comment section.

Supplies used:

Artiste Cricut Cartridge                                    Z1790

Artbooking Cricut Cartridge                             Z1906

Magic Potions Stamp Set                                 C1509

Perfect Fit - Halloween                                    B1413

Paper Fundamentals Adventure Assort.             Z2032

Paper Fundamentals Enchantment Assort.         Z2031

Glitter Paper - Black and Grey                          Z1829

Goldrush Cardstock                                         1243

Champagne Cardstock                                    X5931

Base and Bling Glass Covers                            Z1966

Base and Bling Adhesive Dots                          Z1903

White Enamel Stars                                         Z2010

Touch Twin Marker - Black                            Z2446

Black Ink Stamp Pad                                       Z2105

Cocoa Ink Stamp Pad                                     Z2114

Versa Mark Ink Pad                                         Z891

Ranger Silver Super Fine embossing powder     Z2067

Ranger White Super Fine embossing powder     Z2068

Scaredy Cat Paper Packet                               X7185B 

Yuletide Carol Paper Packet                             X7187B

Confetti Wishes Paper Packet                          X7189B

1 inch Circle Punch                  Z1999

Here's a quick video showing the NEW Artfully Sent Cricut Collection!

I think you're going to LOVE it!

Cricut® Artfully Sent

It's Available NOW!!!!

Artfully Sent is Available to order NOW!

Go to my Specials page to see the special offer I am extending to my customers.  Order now, while the first shipment supplies are still available!

Artfully Sent

Artfully Sent Coming Soon

It's almost here!  Soon, you'll be able to order the new, highly anticipated, Cricut® Artfully Sent Collection!  See my "Specials" page for information on the additional offer I am extending to my customers.

September Stamp of the Month project

Today I am sharing a quick card idea using this lovely set.  I have lots of ideas yet to make, but you've gotta start somewhere, right?

I got the inspiration for this card last week when I went to my local Hobby Lobby to pick up some decorative knobs for one of the little drawer units I have in my office/studio.  While walking up and down the isles I saw this piece of artwork and thought, WOW, that looks a lot like this months STOM set!

So, here's my simplified take on it. 

I chose not to add any swirls or flourishes to the card, because I felt that the card was too small of a canvas and would become much too crowded looking.

Here are the steps for making the card:

I used washi tape pressed into Pixie ink to create the distressed looking stripes.

Next, I inked up the tree with Cocoa ink and stamped it in the center of the card.

Then I added the silver sequins, because this girl likes her bling, lol!

To create the sentiment, I needed to get a little creative.  The stamp looks like this:

I wanted to use a banner I had previously cut for another project.  The sentiment wouldn't fit as it is, so I taped off part of the stamp to ink up the work "sweet".

Once I stamped it on the banner, I did the same thing with the second part of the sentiment.  OK, now I know this silly, but I would be remiss not to mention it... BE SURE TO REMOVE THE TAPE BEFORE STAMPING!  I say this because, well, of course my first attempt, I forgot to remove the tape and I stamped the sentiment and made a big ol' mess, lol!

I wanted to add a little extra detail to the edge of the sentiment, so I got out my trusty silver embossing powder.

I inked the edges with VersaMark ink.  As you can see from this picture, it got a little messy.  I used a dry paint brush to remove the powder I didn't want to heat.

A few Bitty Bling's added to the sequins and to the sentiment, and a card is born:

After making this card, I thought the sequins would be cute colored red and used as apples for the tree.

In my area, we have some wonderful orchards that are open to the public.   My personal favorite place to go to is a beautiful area called Green Bluff.  It's a gorgeous spot where several farms work all year to provide those wonderful memories we all love to put into scrapbooks.  Just think, apple orchards, where they sell not only apples, but everything apple related.  And the pumpkin patches, and corn mazes, oh my!  What a sight!!!  In the fall, it is truly a magical place to be!  This card is in honor of Green Bluff, and the wonderful farmers that grow some of them most delicious fruit I've ever tasted!  To color the sequins as well as the clear sparkles, I used one of our new Touch Twin™ markers.  The color was R11 - Carmine

I hope you enjoyed my take on the September Stamp Of The Month set as well as seeing my inspiration for the cards.

Supplies Used:

Family is Forever - Stamp of the Month set               S1409

Ruby Chevron Washi Tape                                       Z1933

Cardstock in:

Pixie                                                                         X5773

Cocoa                                                                      X5642

New England Ivy                                                        1282

White Daisy                                                                1385

Ink Pads Used:

Cocoa                                                                      Z2114

Pixie                                                                         Z2644

Mini Stapler                                                              Z2027

Sponge                                                                      Z697

Touch Twin Marker - R11 Carmine                          Z2448

Bitty Sparkles                                                           Z1263

Clear Sparkles                                                          Z1752

Sequins - Silver Assortment                                       Z2013

VersaMark Ink Pad                                                   Z891

Silver Embossing Powder                                          Z2067

Fall Watercolor

Fall Is In The Air

I've finally had a minute to get into the office/studio and do a little creating!  It seems like every time I think I'm going to have a chance to get creative, something else pops up and needs my attention.  I know pretty much everyone out there can relate, so I'm just going to get on to the project for today.

I've always enjoyed working with watercolor.  I love that even if you try, you can never get the exact same results from one project to the next.  For this project, I used 2 similar, yet different methods of applying color.  For the "Fabulous Fall" card, I used re-inkers, which I feel gives a deeper, more saturated application of color.  The "Autumn is..." card  was colored using the ink pads as the palette. 

I started with watercolor paper, since I knew I was going to be completely saturating the paper with water, and card stock tends fall apart.  Other than the watercolor paper, and the paint brush, all products used were Close To My Heart.

I used painters tape to hold my watercolor paper to a small cutting board I like to use to keep my project from warping too much.  I stamped the maple leaf image from the Fall Harvest Set (C1504) Champagne ink, that I stamped off on a piece of scrap paper to make the image VERY light.

I'm only using the stamped image as a guide for applying the water color.  The next step is to add water to the image I'm going to paint.  I want a bit of a pool of water on the image so when I add the ink, it will spread on it's own and give a more organic look, rather then leave brush marks on the image.

I hate to admit it, but I forgot to take pictures of the puddles of ink on my All-Purpose Mat (Z2045) when I was using the re-inkers.  The rest of the process is the same either way.  When using the stamp pads, you just press the center of the top cover of the pad into the ink pad to transfer the ink to the lid.

The lid will serve as your palette.  The colors used were:

Ponderosa Pine, New England Ivy, Olive, Goldrush, Autumn Terracota, and Barn Red. 

Now, I will admit, this looks a little ugly at this point, but don't give up.  I also added in Glacier in the background to give a "sky" effect.  Before I go any further, let me stress the importance of putting in the background color at this point rather then waiting until later.  In my first attempt, I applied the background after I "over-stamped" the detail image on the leaves.  Unfortunately, since the Cocoa ink I used isn't waterproof.  Here's what happened:

The Cocoa ink bled into the background.  This happened in several places, so I decided to start over and wait to add the detail until I was finished painting, and everything was completely dry.

Here, you can see what a difference adding back in the detail of the leaf makes.  Our clear stamps make lining things up very easy.  I added the sentiment in Cocoa ink in the center area.  

This card was painted using the re-inkers, and as you can see, the color is deeper.

This card was painted using the stamp pads.

I hope these 2 cards have given you some inspiration to try some watercolor with ink.  If you would like me to create a video tutorial, just send me a message.